Thiruvananthapuram: The 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) will screen a retrospective of films of veteran cinematographer-director Madhu Ambat, who is completing 50 years in cinema.
The retrospective, which will open on December 16 at Nila Theatre, will showcase four of his prominent works from his vast oeuvre, which includes ‘Pinvathil,’ ‘Amaram,’ ‘Oka Manchi Prema Katha,’ and ‘1:1.6 An Ode to Lost Love,’ the last being his directorial debut.
Having graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) with a gold medal in cinematography, Madhu Ambat kick-started his career assisting a documentary for the legendary Ramu Kariat.
With 50 years of relentless commitment to cinema and a career spanning more than 250 feature films in 9 languages, he is one of the most prolific cinematographers in Indian cinema.
Though he has predominantly worked in Malayalam and Tamil movies, his long line-up of films also includes English, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Sanskrit films.
He has won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography three times, for “Adi Shankaracharya” (1984), “Sringaram” (2006), and “Adaminte Makan Abu” (2010). From K S Sethumadhavan to M. Night Shyamalan, Ambat has worked with avant-garde filmmakers, transcending genres and generations.
Ambat’s work is highly celebrated because of the poetic realism and emotional depth in his masterful craft. With his great attention to detail and unique composition, Ambat’s work is still timeless. The 29th IFFK will be screening four handpicked films from his filmography.
“Amaram”, the Bharathan-Lohithadas film, had Madhu Ambat as a cinematographer. The movie explores the complex relationship between Achootty, the fisherman, and Raghavan who eloped with Achootty’s daughter, Radha. Ambat bagged the Kerala State Film Award for Best Cinematography for the film.
“1:1.6 An Ode to Lost Love” is Ambat’s directorial debut. The film is an exploration of love, loss, and longing. Blending visual art with emotional depth through poetic frames, his dual role as a director and cinematographer made the movie a masterpiece and is celebrated by cinephiles for its originality and emotional vibrancy.
“Pinvathil (Back Door),” directed by J C George, is an unconventional take on everyday socio-political life. Set in a small village, the movie uses absurdity and surrealism to critique the concept of world democracy.
Through Ambat’s use of intense imagery, he was able to replicate the vivid imagery of Bible prophecies, where surreal creatures emerge to convey profound truths.
‘Oka Manchi Prema Katha,’ directed by Akkineni Kutumba Rao, is a movie that explores the essence of family relationships in the present time. The movie delves into the lives of Sujata, a corporate woman, and her mother, Rangamani, a retiree living alone in a village.
“Pinvathil” and “Oka Manchi Prema Katha” will be premiering in IFFK.
